Robin Flanagan spends her life travelling the world and teaching women about makeup in her role as International Trainer and Makeup Artist at LA\’s premier makeup brand, Smashbox Cosmetics. Whether it\’s doing demonstrations in Melbourne or in-store presentations in Singapore, Robin is a woman with a mission â€“ and that\’s to make women look more gorgeous.

Robin started her career in New York at Saks Fifth Avenue, and worked for many years at MAC where she learnt her trade in the toughest makeup environment possible, retail. With some freelance experience and other makeup brands under her belt, after moving to LA she was asked to join the Smashbox team, which has been steadily expanding since its inception in 1996.

Smashbox Cosmetics started in Hollywood as the brainchild of Dean and Davis Factor (and if you recognise the surname it\’s because they are, yes, grandsons of the late great makeup pioneer and creator, Max Factor). It began with the creation of the Smashbox photo studios (where Beyonce shot her Single Ladies video, I\’m reliably informed), and because of the constant flow of top makeup artists through its doors the idea for a cosmetics line that could withstand hours on the set, was born.

Recently it has been acquired by Estee Lauder, so we can expect to see a lot more from Smashbox in the future. It will stay at its headquarters right next to the Smashbox studios in LA, but will continue to evolve its existing Hollywood heritage into new areas, taking the red carpet all around the world.

The heart and the soul of the range is its range of best selling primers. Up until a few months ago I wasn\’t a primer gal, as I\’ve been shooting in London for the last four years where the climate (and the light!) are a lot more forgiving. But now back in Australia, my whole foundation and skincare kit is needing to change to cope with the heat, the humidity and the strong sunshine when shooting outdoors.

Because Smashbox was created in LA with a similar climate to ours, I was really keen to try their foundation and concealer, which I did today. I have been very, very impressed. The High Definition foundation(RRP$55.95) (which, as its name suggests, was created for Hi-Def filming) leaves a beautiful finish on the skin and the High Definition concealer(RRP$28.95) is one of the best liquid concealers I have ever tried, with great coverage.Â It\’s also a favourite of Kim Kardashian\’s makeup artist Mario, who also loves to use the bronzer in Suntan Matte Bronze Lights(RRP$39.95) on her to give her that signature contoured modern bombshell look.

What I liked about Smashbox is that it\’s a no-fuss approach to beauty and glamour that works in every day life. The new Intrigue blush stick has a cream blush on one end, and a little buffing brush on the other that can be tossed in your handbag â€“ perfect for touching up when you\’re out and about. Their Brow Tech To Go is a grooming powder pencil on one end, and genius of genius ideas, a Brow Gel on the other (and oh how I love a good brow gel!) So no more excuses for unruly brows. They also invest heavily in new technology to put skincare benefits into the makeup, including a targeted wrinkle filler (the Photo Finish Targeted Line & Pore Primer) that from an initial inspection not only works, but can have makeup put on top as well. I\’m going to be needing me some of that!

Robin\’s top tips for modern glamour? A good primer, beautiful brows and a little bit of concealer where needed, plus mascara means you will always look gorgeous. Robin was not only lovely to speak with but is clearly evangelical about making women look their best. Now I\’ve had a taste of the brand I\’ll be back for more.

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